South Korea, Japan, New Zealand, and Canada Being Considered to Join Defense Partnership with the U.S.
If all these countries join it makes me wonder of the AUKUS is turning into a Pacific version of NATO to counter China:
The United States, Britain and Australia are considering South Korea, Canada and New Zealand as potential partners for cooperation on advanced capability projects of their AUKUS security partnership, a senior U.S. official said Tuesday.
The remarks came a day after the defense chiefs of the three countries issued a joint statement noting their consideration of Japan as a partner for Pillar II projects of the partnership.
Launched in September 2021 in an apparent move to counter China’s assertiveness, AUKUS consists of two key pillars. Pillar I is to support Australia in acquiring conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines, while Pillar II is for cooperation in high-tech areas, including quantum computing, artificial intelligence and hypersonics.
“The AUKUS partners are considering a range of additional partners who may bring unique strengths to Pillar 2, including the ROK, Canada and New Zealand, in addition to Japan,” the official said in response to a question from Yonhap News Agency. ROK stands for South Korea’s official name, the Republic of Korea.
Yonhap
You can read more at the link, but China is of course complaining about this announcement. If China would quit trying to forcibly take over other nation’s territory there would be no need for AUKUS in the first place.
Traditional allies talking to each other: “Hey, we should get the band back together.”
China whining: “How dare you interfere with our plans to destroy the environment, obstruct international trade, and enslave our neighborhood!!!!”
Why is Australia allowed to buy American nuke subs, while South Korea is prevented from developing its nuke subs? What’s the reason?
I feel better knowing New Zealand is part of the integrated defensive shield against the aggressive forces of those who hate us for our freedoms.
But the hidden benefit is the mutual defense provisions.
If Maoris ever stage an insurrection (as defined by American 2020 standards), armed marines can be on the streets of Wellington within 24 hours restoring order so fast you would think it was Kent State.
What’s the reason?
Racism.
“What’s the reason?
Racism.”
That makes sense.
America doesn’t let Asian-Americans on nuclear subs either.
New Zealand’s Nuclear Free Zone, Disarmament and Arms Control Act was enacted in 1987.
The Act sets out the New Zealand Nuclear Free Zone consisting of all New Zealand territory (including ocean territory and airspace) and bans nuclear powered ships from entering into New Zealand waters. It also prohibits the acquisition, stationing and testing of nuclear explosive devices.
Over on the West Coast of Australia, Hanwha is preparing to up its bid for naval shipbuilder Austal; which also builds naval vessels in Mobile, Alabama